FDA bans sale of drug to fight nausea from chemo

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that the single 32 mg intravenous dose of Zofran can no longer been sold because it has the potential to cause possibly deadly cardiac problems.

The FDA says in an online statement: "A previous Drug Safety Communication (DSC), issued on June 29, 2012, communicated that the 32 mg, single IV dose should be avoided due to the risk of a specific type of irregular heart rhythm called QT interval prolongation, which can lead to Torsades de Pointes, an abnormal, potentially fatal heart rhythm. These drugs are sold pre-mixed in solutions of either dextrose or sodium chloride in plastic containers.

"FDA anticipates these products will be removed from the market through early 2013. FDA does not anticipate that removal of the 32 mg intravenous dose of ondansetron currently sold as pre-mixed injections will contribute to a drug shortage of IV ondansetron, as the 32 mg dose makes up a very small percentage of the current market."